SAFC Analysis: Sunderland make hard work of taming the Shrews in a cup tie to forget

Richard Mennear

When Adnan Januzaj signed for Sunderland, it was a real chance for him to recapture his early promise at Manchester United.

David Moyes was banking on it.

And the 21-year-old Belgian repaid some of that faith with a stunning strike against Shrewsbury Town to see the Black Cats through to the third round of the EFL Cup.

They made damn hard work of it, though.

It was a dire evening of football and one that certainly won’t last long in the memory of the 13,000-plus fans inside the Stadium of Light.

Moyes named as strong a side as he could, with Vito Mannone’s elbow injury keeping him out, Jeremain Lens missing with a foot problem and Jermain Defoe rested ahead of the Premier League trip to Southampton.

The football and entertainment on show was awful, from both sides, with the keepers barely having saves to make in the opening half.

Januzaj popped up with a stunning strike six minutes from time, to save everyone the added strain of extra-time and, potentially, penalties.

Sunderland should have comfortably beaten Micky Mellon’s side, but it perhaps highlighted again that this will be once again another tough year on Wearside.

There were some positives, aside from progressing into the third round.

Steven Pienaar was the stand-out performer in his 60-minute spell, assured in central midfield, keeping play nice and simple.

Lynden Gooch again looked tidy in central midfield, while 17-year Joel Asoro looks a real talent after he made his full debut up front.

Sunderland will today confirm the arrival of Javier Manquillo – but the teamsheet again highlighted the need for further recruits before August 31.